Bloomingdale?s Fall Fashion 2004 ?Mix Message?

Bloomingdale?s Fall 2004 fashion message is about the mixing and combining of all the right elements. To Mix means to take a sophisticated approach to dressing and make it your own but, most importantly, you look put together! This means paying attention to color combinations, proportion and textures.

Fall 2004 fashion is comprised of two sets of opposing trends. The first is Hard and Soft, where the Mix Message evolves around femininity expressed with a masculine edge. This also refers to combining structured fabrics with soft materials such as fur and silk to produce an effortless sophisticated look.

Once the Hard and Soft look is put together it should have a level of sophistication that seems effortless. The second set of trends is Vintage and Modern where a touch of vintage or retro, such as a beaded sweater, is done in a modern way so that it does not look exaggerated

The must-have items of the season can be easily added to your existing wardrobe to create a feminine and polished look with a touch of the unexpected. Bloomingdale?s offers the following, ?Must Have, Must Wear? list:

Something in Fur offers the height of luxury but also a Fall staple. A touch of Fur adds richness to the mix and, if you are out for attention, leopard is the way to go! A great way to include Fur for Fall is with a Fur-trimmed coat.

The Pencil Skirt is the key ingredient to an elegant mix. Bloomingdale?s predicts the pencil skirt will be bigger than last fall?s mini-skirt. Favorite fabrications are satin or tweed.

The New Sweater is an updated version of our old favorite - the cardigan. The cardigan is either oversized like your grandfather?s or standard size with a vintage finish such as beading, fur trim and novelty buttons.

A Ladylike Blouse will most often be seen in sheer fabrics with willowy bows. The Ladylike Blouse completes the fall uniform accompanied with a pencil skirt and cardigan.

The Menswear Trouser is always paired with something feminine for a delicate balance. The menswear trouser has a fuller leg and is made from more traditional menswear fabrics such as a heavy houndstooth or herringbone.

Narrow Pants are best worn cropped either tucked in knee-high boots or round toe heels. Think sexy and glamorous.

Ponchos are the one item that work on everyone and can be paired with just about everything. Ponchos can serve the purpose of keeping you warm or just be a fashion statement especially when trimmed in fur.

Dresses that Shine in jewel tone palettes either seductive in satin or modern in drapey jersey make a sensational statement for after dark!

Tweed is the fabric of the season and a very easy way to update your look. Choose a coat, skirt or your favorite accessory in tweed.

Beading is now for the daytime! Besides being appropriate anytime beading also goes on anything from tweed fabrics to ladylike cardigans.

Bloomingdale?s, a division of Federated Department Stores, was founded in 1872 and with the opening of Soho, will operate 33 stores in New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Florida, California and Georgia. For website access, please log onto bloomingdales.com.